EP0464342B1 - Connector - Google Patents

Connector Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0464342B1
EP0464342B1 EP91107693A EP91107693A EP0464342B1 EP 0464342 B1 EP0464342 B1 EP 0464342B1 EP 91107693 A EP91107693 A EP 91107693A EP 91107693 A EP91107693 A EP 91107693A EP 0464342 B1 EP0464342 B1 EP 0464342B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flange
web
buckle
substrate
connector
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP91107693A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0464342A2 (en
EP0464342A3 (en
Inventor
Harry Arthur Kunze
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
MSA Safety Inc
Original Assignee
Mine Safety Appliances Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mine Safety Appliances Co filed Critical Mine Safety Appliances Co
Publication of EP0464342A2 publication Critical patent/EP0464342A2/en
Publication of EP0464342A3 publication Critical patent/EP0464342A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0464342B1 publication Critical patent/EP0464342B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/08—Component parts for gas-masks or gas-helmets, e.g. windows, straps, speech transmitters, signal-devices
    • A62B18/084—Means for fastening gas-masks to heads or helmets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B11/00—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B11/00—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts
    • A44B11/02—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts frictionally engaging surface of straps
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/34—Combined diverse multipart fasteners
    • Y10T24/3401—Buckle
    • Y10T24/3423—Buckle and separable fastening means for attached fastener
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/44—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof
    • Y10T24/44077—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof having inserted and receiving interlocking members connected by bendable, nonbiasing strap

Definitions

  • This invention relates to connectors and more particularly to connectors for securing straps to a flexible breathing mask according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Breathing masks conventionally comprise a facepiece made of rubber, synthetic rubber or flexible resin and a head harness.
  • the head harness straps are sometimes permanently secured to the mask but it is preferred to have them removable.
  • a variety of connectors have been used to removably connect harness straps to masks but they are complex and may require special tools for assembly and disassembly.
  • the connector comprises a band-like lug consisting of a first web portion and a second flange portion, whereby a lip protrudes from the lug for engaging with a crosspiece of an adapted buckle and retaining the lug in this buckle.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of a breathing mask having connectors of this invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a section through line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a section through line 3-3 of FIG. 1.
  • a breathing mask comprises a rubber-like facepiece 2 and a harness 4 comprising elastic straps 6 and adjustable straps 8.
  • the straps are attached to slotted buckles 10 or 12 which are in turn removably secured to flexible mounting lugs 14 integrally molded with the mask.
  • the mounting lug web 16 extends vertically from the facepiece substrate 18.
  • An elongate flange 20 extends from one side of the web 16 substantially horizontal to the substrate 18.
  • the flange 20 is tapered, and thus more flexible, toward its free end.
  • a lip 22 extends from the other side of the web 16 and is preferably spaced the same distance as flange 20 from substrate 18.
  • the free end of the web 16 is curved on a radius, taken from point 24, equal to the thickness of the web 16.
  • a stiff buckle 10 for attachment to adjustable strap 8 has parallel side members 28 and 29 and cross members 30 and 32 forming a slot 34 that fits over mounting lug 14.
  • the flange 20 is inserted through the slot 34 in the buckle 10 and the buckle 10 is manually worked over lip 22 and web 16.
  • the buckle 10 is thus secured between the substrate 18 and flange 20 and lip 22; it is very resistant against separation from forces applied through the strap 8.
  • the buckle 10 is easily removed by twisting it around the axis of the strap 8 to release it over lip 22.
  • the adjustable straps 8 are threaded through crosspieces 35 and 36.
  • the thickness of the buckle 10 at crosspiece 35 is greater than the space between substrate 18 and flange 20, so the buckle 10 tilts the mounting lug 14 more tightly engaging lip 22 against the buckle.
  • Buckle 12 has a slot formed by the buckle body 38 and crosspiece 40 that fits over the mounting lug 14 as previously described.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)
  • Details Of Garments (AREA)

Description

    Field of the invention
  • This invention relates to connectors and more particularly to connectors for securing straps to a flexible breathing mask according to the preamble of claim 1.
    • Background of the invention
  • Breathing masks conventionally comprise a facepiece made of rubber, synthetic rubber or flexible resin and a head harness. The head harness straps are sometimes permanently secured to the mask but it is preferred to have them removable. A variety of connectors have been used to removably connect harness straps to masks but they are complex and may require special tools for assembly and disassembly.
  • A connector with the above-mentioned features is known from DE-B-1.049.706. In one embodiment the connector comprises a band-like lug consisting of a first web portion and a second flange portion, whereby a lip protrudes from the lug for engaging with a crosspiece of an adapted buckle and retaining the lug in this buckle.
    • Summary of the invention
  • It is an object of the invention to provide a simple and inexpensive connection between a facepiece and a harness strap that can be easily assembled and disassembled by hand.
  • This object is achieved by a connector with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are defined by the subclaims.
    • Description of the Drawings
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of a breathing mask having connectors of this invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a section through line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a section through line 3-3 of FIG. 1.
    • Description of the Preferred Embodiment
  • With reference to FIGS. 1 - 3, a breathing mask comprises a rubber-like facepiece 2 and a harness 4 comprising elastic straps 6 and adjustable straps 8. The straps are attached to slotted buckles 10 or 12 which are in turn removably secured to flexible mounting lugs 14 integrally molded with the mask.
  • As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the mounting lug web 16 extends vertically from the facepiece substrate 18. An elongate flange 20 extends from one side of the web 16 substantially horizontal to the substrate 18. The flange 20 is tapered, and thus more flexible, toward its free end.
  • A lip 22 extends from the other side of the web 16 and is preferably spaced the same distance as flange 20 from substrate 18. The free end of the web 16 is curved on a radius, taken from point 24, equal to the thickness of the web 16.
  • As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a stiff buckle 10 for attachment to adjustable strap 8 has parallel side members 28 and 29 and cross members 30 and 32 forming a slot 34 that fits over mounting lug 14.
  • To secure the buckle 10 to the facepiece, the flange 20 is inserted through the slot 34 in the buckle 10 and the buckle 10 is manually worked over lip 22 and web 16. The buckle 10 is thus secured between the substrate 18 and flange 20 and lip 22; it is very resistant against separation from forces applied through the strap 8. The buckle 10 is easily removed by twisting it around the axis of the strap 8 to release it over lip 22.
  • The adjustable straps 8 are threaded through crosspieces 35 and 36. The thickness of the buckle 10 at crosspiece 35 is greater than the space between substrate 18 and flange 20, so the buckle 10 tilts the mounting lug 14 more tightly engaging lip 22 against the buckle.
  • The elastic straps 6, best seen in FIG. 3, are permanently secured to buckle 12. Buckle 12 has a slot formed by the buckle body 38 and crosspiece 40 that fits over the mounting lug 14 as previously described.
  • Although this invention has been described particularly in relation to breathing masks, it will be recognized that the invention can be used for other purposes, within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (4)

  1. A connector comprising a unitary, flexible mounting lug (14) and a rigid slotted buckle (10; 12),
    said mounting lug (14) comprising a web (16), an elongate flange (20) extending from one side of said web (16) and an opposing lip (22) extending from the opposite side of said web (16),
    said buckle (10; 12) comprising a plate having a slot (34) that passes said flange (20), lip (22) and web (16) on elastic deformation of the mounting lug (14),
       characterized in
    that said mounting lug (14) comprises a substrate (18),
    that said web (16) extends vertically from said substrate (18),
    that said flange (20) extends substantially horizontal to and spaced from said substrate (18),
    so that the buckle (10; 12) is secured between the substrate (18) and the flange (20) and lip (22).
  2. A connector of claim 1 in which the flange (20) is thicker at the web (16) than at its free edge.
  3. A connector of claim 1 or 2 in which the flange (20) and lip (22) are spaced the same distance from the substrate (18).
  4. A connector of claim 3 in which thickness of the buckle (10; 12) at a point along the flange (20) and spaced from the web (16) is greater than the distance between the substrate (18) and the flange (20).
EP91107693A 1990-07-02 1991-05-13 Connector Expired - Lifetime EP0464342B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/546,905 US5020193A (en) 1990-07-02 1990-07-02 Connector
US546905 1990-07-02

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0464342A2 EP0464342A2 (en) 1992-01-08
EP0464342A3 EP0464342A3 (en) 1992-04-15
EP0464342B1 true EP0464342B1 (en) 1996-10-09

Family

ID=24182517

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91107693A Expired - Lifetime EP0464342B1 (en) 1990-07-02 1991-05-13 Connector

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US5020193A (en)
EP (1) EP0464342B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH04231974A (en)
CA (1) CA2041797A1 (en)
DE (1) DE69122552T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2092525T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5394568A (en) * 1993-01-28 1995-03-07 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Molded head harness
US5657493A (en) * 1994-03-25 1997-08-19 Dacor Corporation Diving mask with quick-release strap attachment
US5664566A (en) 1994-09-30 1997-09-09 Puritan-Bennett Corporation Quick-donning full face oxygen mask with inflatable harness and soft foldable lens
DE29606294U1 (en) * 1996-04-04 1996-08-01 Trw Occupant Restraint Systems Gmbh, 73551 Alfdorf Belt adjuster for a vehicle seat belt system
USD388742S (en) 1997-01-23 1998-01-06 Ault Phillip H Buckle
US5815845A (en) * 1997-08-07 1998-10-06 Ault; Phillip H. Pocket billfold with theft preventing feature
US6732733B1 (en) 1997-10-03 2004-05-11 3M Innovative Properties Company Half-mask respirator with head harness assembly
US6062221A (en) 1997-10-03 2000-05-16 3M Innovative Properties Company Drop-down face mask assembly
JP4026956B2 (en) * 1998-09-30 2007-12-26 株式会社重松製作所 Fully shaped face mask
DE10014930C2 (en) * 2000-03-20 2002-04-11 Auergesellschaft Gmbh Connection arrangement for strapping to a respirator
DE10140575C1 (en) 2001-08-17 2003-06-18 Msa Auer Gmbh Strap for a respirator
JP5819516B2 (en) 2012-03-27 2015-11-24 東光化学工業株式会社 Band fastener

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1049706B (en) * 1959-01-29 Auergesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft Berlin Banding for respirators
US973147A (en) * 1908-07-08 1910-10-18 Albert T Van Alstyn Clasp.
US2797465A (en) * 1953-04-15 1957-07-02 Kuchler Erich Garter fastener
FR1100270A (en) * 1953-05-08 1955-09-19 Fastener for strapping gas masks
US3043299A (en) * 1958-05-06 1962-07-10 Potash Norman Head harness tab for gas mask
CH354736A (en) * 1959-06-08 1961-06-15 Magnin Georges Suspender
CA1161249A (en) * 1982-02-09 1984-01-31 Edward J. Gilroy Display holder for grocery type carts
US4527292A (en) * 1983-06-03 1985-07-09 Kinugawa Pacific Kabushiki Kaisha Locking means for a fixing band of a diving mask

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH04231974A (en) 1992-08-20
DE69122552D1 (en) 1996-11-14
EP0464342A2 (en) 1992-01-08
EP0464342A3 (en) 1992-04-15
DE69122552T2 (en) 1997-04-24
ES2092525T3 (en) 1996-12-01
US5020193A (en) 1991-06-04
CA2041797A1 (en) 1992-01-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5020193A (en) Connector
US5320097A (en) Endotracheal tube holding and securing device
GB1598806A (en) Developments in fixing devices
US5621923A (en) Interface apparatus for adapting a visor and a chin protector to standard bicycle helments and the like
US4517708A (en) Clamp
US5666663A (en) Adapter for protective mask for a helmet
US4688337A (en) Buckle type fastener
US4189807A (en) Clamp
EP0761984B1 (en) Snap tab for fastening components together
US20070192945A1 (en) Helmet retention system with improved stability
US6076237A (en) Quick-release buckle for connecting two strap ends
JP2003023721A (en) Clamp for wire harness
US5590444A (en) Side release buckle with improved distribution of stress under loads
MY114027A (en) Method and apparatus for anti-slip webbing adjustment
US6253421B1 (en) Plastic holding strap with elastic locking element for locking the holding strap by engagement with bundled articles
CA2449252A1 (en) Respirator valve
US4527292A (en) Locking means for a fixing band of a diving mask
US5845830A (en) Bicycle attachable seat assembly for carrying objects
US4074401A (en) Snap assembly
EP0201462A1 (en) A device for securing the ends of a strap detachably to eyeglasses legs
ATE299244T1 (en) CLAMP SYSTEM FOR FASTENING AN ATTACHMENT TO A SUPPORT PART
US4634151A (en) Glad hand extension
GB2104145A (en) Sealing slide fastener stringer
US20200224686A1 (en) Edge protector
DE19613803A1 (en) Device for fastening an electrical component

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL SE

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19921002

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19950630

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69122552

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19961114

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2092525

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 727

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: ISLER & PEDRAZZINI AG

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 19970407

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 19970430

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 19970516

Year of fee payment: 7

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 727A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 727B

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: SP

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19980402

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19980421

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 19980429

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 19980514

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980531

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19981201

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 19981201

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990513

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990514

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19990513

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 91107693.3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20000131

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20000601

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050513

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20080425

Year of fee payment: 18

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20091201